Chickpeas in Spicy Tomato Gravy

Is there anything better than a warm bowl of soup or stew after a long day at work? Although I realize it isn't the case for everyone, chopping vegetables and stirring a big pot of something delicious is a great stress reliever for me after a long day at work (although that's not to say a big bowl of ice cream can't also fill that role sometimes too). Ginger and cumin are a couple of flavors that instantly make me feel comforted, so cooking and eating this dish was the perfect stress reliever after a long work day.

While I love the heat of this dish, if you aren't a fan of spice, remove the seeds and ribs of the jalapenos and cut back on the cayenne or add yogurt, which is traditional, or sour cream when serving. I'd also recommend serving with whole wheat naan, if you can find it, or pita bread, to soak up all the delicious smoky, spicy tomato gravy.


Chickpeas in Spicy Tomato Gravy
from Food and Wine
serves 4 to 6

8 garlic cloves, chopped
2 jalapeños, chopped
One 2-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and chopped
1/4 cup vegetable oil
3 onions, cut into 1/4-inch dice
2 tablespoons ground cumin
1 tablespoon ground coriander
3/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 1/2 cups canned diced tomatoes
Two 15-ounce cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
2 cups water
Salt
2 tablespoons cilantro leaves

1. In a mini food processor, combine the garlic, jalapeños and ginger and process to a paste.

2. In a large nonstick skillet, heat the oil. Add the onions and cook over moderately high heat until sizzling, about 3 minutes. Reduce the heat to moderate and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are browned, about 7 minutes. Add the garlic paste and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add the cumin, coriander and cayenne and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add the tomatoes and simmer over moderate heat until thickened, about 6 minutes. Add the chickpeas and water and simmer until the chickpeas are flavored with the gravy, about 8 minutes. Season the chickpeas with salt, garnish with the cilantro and serve.